Context
- The Ministry of MSME celebrated the 3rd anniversary of PM Vishwakarma at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata, West Bengal.
About PM Vishwakarma
- PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2023 to support traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in family-based occupations.
- The scheme aims to strengthen livelihoods through skill development, modern tools, affordable credit and market linkages.
- It covers 18 traditional trades and seeks to improve the quality and reach of artisans’ products and services while facilitating their integration with domestic and global supply chains
- The scheme is based on the motto of “Samman, Samarthya and Samriddhi.”
Key Components
- Recognition: Beneficiaries receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card after registration and verification.
- Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5–7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a ₹500 per day stipend.
- Modern Toolkits: Eligible beneficiaries receive modern toolkits worth up to ₹15,000.
- Credit Support: Provides collateral-free Enterprise Development Loans up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches at a concessional 5% interest rate.
Digital Incentives: Beneficiaries can receive ₹1 per eligible digital transaction, subject to a maximum of 100 transactions per month.
- Marketing Support: Includes trade fairs, exhibitions, branding, publicity and e-commerce platforms to expand market access.
Significance
- Supports livelihoods and entrepreneurship among traditional artisans.
- Promotes formalisation by onboarding beneficiaries onto the Udyam Assist Platform.
- Facilitates access to institutional credit, modern tools and wider markets.
- Helps preserve traditional knowledge, skills and the Guru-Shishya tradition.
Conclusion
PM Vishwakarma is a flagship initiative aimed at preserving India’s traditional artisanal heritage while promoting entrepreneurship, skill development and financial inclusion. The scheme contributes to strengthening rural livelihoods and advancing the vision of inclusive economic growth and Viksit Bharat.